undermines

verb

present tense third-person singular of undermine
as in weakens
to make (someone or something) weaker or less effective usually in a secret or gradual way She tried to undermine my authority by complaining about me to my boss. The events of the past year have undermined people's confidence in the government.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of undermines Trade secret law is more promising for methodology kept genuinely confidential, though the publicity of the legal system undermines most such claims. — Hamid Kohan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 But our current electronic monitoring system undermines those goals when it is used as a substitute for detention of dangerous defendants. — Eileen Burke, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 Also, and not to totally belabor the point, but limiting analysis of the NFL’s impact on the ad market to in-game revenue effectively undermines the second-order impact on non-NFL pricing. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Unethical conduct undermines the rule of law, risks national security, and sets a dangerous precedent for every level of government. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026 Turning this whole thing into a joke also undermines the danger of the Trawler — just how seriously are we supposed to take this threat? — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026 The fact that the United States, in its recent conflict with Iran, directly destabilized international energy markets undermines the country’s claim to be a fair arbiter of the global commons. — Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026 In my research, physicians have expressed worry that this shift threatens patient safety or undermines traditional medical practice. — Jennifer Karlin, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026 And one of his emails undermines his later messaging on masking too. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermines
  1. weakens
  2. erodes
  3. impairs
  4. damages
Verb
  • The use of noble language to describe a process that weakens constitutional guardrails only widens the disconnect between words and actions.
    — Yuripzy Morgan, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The erosion of those countries’ industrial capacity ultimately weakens their ability to compete with and resist China economically, diplomatically, and militarily.
    — Bill Cassidy, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of weakens
Verb
  • The high-pressure stream erodes the lighter-colored soft spring wood that’s found between the dark grain bands of summer-wood.
    — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Once the decision is made, continuing to relitigate it creates confusion, erodes trust, and slows execution.
    — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of erodes
Verb
  • The delay, the filing notes, impairs Pewitt’s defense because the memories of witnesses fade and their availability is unknown, and the ability to find and re-examine physical evidence after 31 years is compromised.
    — Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Hwang suffered a traumatic brain injury from the attack, leading to ataxia, a neurological disorder that impairs movement and muscle control, and occasional seizures.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Definition of impairs
Verb
  • Nuisance, negligence and harm to residents The largest set of claims in the lawsuit has to do with arguing that the data center damages residents’ health, futures and quality of life in the areas closest to the 400-acre hyperscale AI factory.
    — Ilana Arougheti Updated August 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which consuming gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley and rye — triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of damages

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Cite this Entry

“Undermines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undermines. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of undermines for Spanish Speakers

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